Reusable mailer bag

ABSTRACT

A reusable mailer bag includes front, rear, first side, second side, and bottom panels which include interior surfaces that define a carrying volume that has an opening which is opposite the bottom panel. The mailer bag also includes a flap and a first side extension. The flap is configured to extend across the opening to close the carrying volume during shipping. The flap includes a first end portion that is attached to the rear panel and a second end portion that is configured to secure to the front panel. The first side extension extends from a first edge of the second end portion of the flap that is adjacent the first side panel. The first side extension is configured to extend around the first side panel and to secure to the rear panel when the second end portion is secured to the front panel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/989,799 filed Aug. 10, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,312,540 issued onApr. 26, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/240,969, filed Jan. 7, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,737,843 issuedon Aug. 11, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/023,236, filed Jun. 29, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,737,842issued on Aug. 11, 2020 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/302,151, filed Jun. 11, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.10,011,394, issued on Jul. 3, 2018. The entire contents of each of theabove applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a reusable mailer bag and a method forusing a reusable mailer bag.

Background of Related Art

Shipping packaging is typically provided in disposable form for a singleuse. In particular, boxes, envelopes, and other forms of shippingpackaging are often transported from a merchant to an end user and arethen subsequently thrown away or recycled by the end user. The end usertypically does not gain any lasting value or use from the shippingpackaging.

SUMMARY

A reusable mailer bag and a method of use according to aspects of thepresent disclosure are now described. The reusable mailer bag providesan end user with shipping packaging that may be repurposed for use as acarrying bag. The end user can therefore realize a return value on thecost of shipping.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a method includesextending a flap attached to a rear panel of a reusable mailer bag overan opening of the reusable mailer bag, securing the flap to a firstremovable tape layer of a front panel of the reusable mailer bag,detaching the flap from the front panel and the rear panel, andextending a pair of handles from a carrying volume of the reusablemailer through the opening of the reusable mailer.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, detaching the flap from thefront panel includes tearing the flap along a first tear strip.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, detaching the flap fromthe rear panel includes tearing the flap along a second tear strip.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first tear stripincludes perforations.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, detaching the flap from thefront panel includes detaching the first removable tape layer from thefront panel.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includesattaching a shipping label to a second removable tape layer of the frontpanel.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the method furtherincludes detaching the second removable tape layer from the front panelto remove the shipping label from the front panel.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, detaching the secondremovable tape layer reveals a hidden surface selected from the groupconsisting of a promotional code, an advertisement, and a writablesurface.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the reusable mailer bag isnon-reversible.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an interior surface of thecarrying volume includes a bubble lined protective layer and the methodfurther includes removing the bubble lined protective layer.

In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a reusable mailerbag is disclosed including a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of sidepanels, and a bottom panel. The panels together define a carrying volumeincluding an opening opposite the bottom panel. A pair of handles isattached to an interior surface of the carrying volume and is configuredfor positioning entirely within the carrying volume during shipping. Thepair of handles is configured to extend out of the opening. A flap isattached to the rear panel at a first end and is configured to extendacross the opening to close the opening. The flap includes a second endthat is securable to the front panel. The flap is configured to beremoved from the mailer bag after shipping.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the second end of the flap issecurable to a first tape layer of the front panel.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the first tape layer isremovable from the front panel to detach the flap from the front panel.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the second end of the flapincludes an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is configured to adhereto the first tape layer of the front panel when the second end of theflap is secured to the front panel.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the front panel further includesa second tape layer configured to receive a shipping label.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the front panel includesa hidden surface disposed under the second tape layer. The second tapelayer may be removable to reveal the hidden surface. The hidden surfacemay be selected from the group consisting of a promotional code, anadvertisement, and a writable surface.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the flap includes a firsttear strip adjacent the first end. The first tear strip is tearable todetach the flap from the rear panel.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the flap includes asecond tear strip adjacent the second end. The second tear strip istearable to detach the flap from the front panel.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the side panels include recessedportions adjacent the opening. The recessed portions are secured to thefront and rear panels adjacent the opening and are recessed relative toside edges of the front and rear panels. The recessed portions areconfigured to inhibit tampering with the carrying volume when the flapcloses the opening.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the recessed portionsinhibit the reusable mailer bag from being reversed.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, an interior surface of thecarrying volume includes a bubble lined protective layer.

In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the bubble linedprotective layer is removable.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a reusable mailer bagincludes front, rear, first side, second side, and bottom panels whichinclude interior surfaces that define a carrying volume that has anopening which is opposite the bottom panel. The mailer bag also includesa flap and a first side extension. The flap is configured to extendacross the opening to close the carrying volume during shipping. Theflap includes a first end portion that is attached to the rear panel anda second end portion that is configured to secure to the front panel.The first side extension extends from a first edge of the second endportion of the flap that is adjacent the first side panel. The firstside extension is configured to extend around the first side panel andto secure to the rear panel when the second end portion is secured tothe front panel.

In aspects, the mailer bag includes a tape layer that is releaseablysecured to the rear panel. The first side extension may be configured tosecure to the tape layer to secure to the rear panel.

In some aspects, the mailer bag includes a pair of handles that areattached to the interior surface of the front and rear panels. The pairof handles may be configured to be positioned entirely within thecarrying volume during shipping and configured to extend out of theopening for transport.

In certain aspects, the flap is configured to be completely removed fromthe mailer bag after shipping.

In particular aspects, the mailer bag includes a tape layer that isreleaseably secured to the front panel. The second end portion of theflap may be securable to the tape layer. The tape layer may be removablefrom the front panel to detach the flap from the front panel. The secondend portion of the flap may include an adhesive layer. The adhesivelayer may be configured to adhere to the tape layer of the front panelto secure the second end portion of the flap to the front panel. Thetape layer may be configured to receive a shipping label. The frontpanel may include a hidden surface that is disposed under the tapelayer. The tape layer may be removable to reveal the hidden surface. Thehidden surface may be selected from a group of a promotional code, anadvertisement, and a writable surface.

In aspects, the flap includes a first tear strip that is adjacent thefirst end portion that is configured to detach the flap from the rearpanel. The flap may include a second tear strip that is adjacent thesecond end portion and configured to detach the flap from the frontpanel. The flap may include a third tear strip along the first edge todetach the first side extension from the second end portion. The first,second, and third tear strips may form a continuous tear strip.

In some aspects, the mailer bag includes a second side extension thatextends from a second edge of the second end portion that is oppositethe first edge. The second side extension may be configured to extendaround the second side panel and secure to the rear panel when thesecond end portion is secured to the front panel.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a reusable mailer bagincludes front, rear, first side, second side, and bottom panels, aflap, and a first side extension. The panels include interior surfacesthat define a carrying volume that has an opening opposite the bottompanel. The flap is configured to extend across the opening to close thecarrying volume during shipping. The flap includes a first end portionthat is attached to the rear panel and a second end portion that isconfigured to secure to the front panel. The first side extensionextends from a first edge of the flap between the first and second endportions adjacent the first side panel. The first side extension isconfigured to secure to the first side panel when the second end portionthat is secured to the front panel.

In aspects, the mailer bag includes a tape layer that is releaseablysecured to the first side panel. The lap may be configured to becompletely removed from the mailer bag after shipping.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a reusable mailer bagincludes front, rear, first side, second side, and a bottom panel thatinclude interior surfaces which define a carrying volume that has anopening opposite the bottom panel. The side panels include recessedportions that are adjacent the opening such that the side panels arespaced apart from side edges of the front and rear panels adjacent theopening to reduce a length of the opening opposite the bottom panel. Atop edge of each of the first and second side panels are attached toeach of the front and rear panels spaced apart from the side edges ofthe front and rear panels. The mailer bag also includes a flap that isformed separate and distinct from the front, rear, first side, secondside, and bottom panels. The flap is configured to extend across theopening to close the carrying volume during shipping. The flap includesa first end portion that is attached to the rear panel and a second endportion that is securable to the front panel.

Any of the above aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure maybe combined without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow withreference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reusable mailer bag provided inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the reusable mailer bag of FIG. 1 , illustratingthe closure mechanism and the carrying volume;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the reusable mailer bag of FIG. 1 ,illustrating the flap extended over the opening and secured to the frontpanel;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the front panel of the reusable mailer bag ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the area of detail depicted in the FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-section view of the reusable mailer bag of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the reusable mailer bag of FIG. 2 ,illustrating partial removal of tape layers and tear strips of thereusable mailer bag;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another reusable mailer bag provided inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the reusable mailer bag of FIG. 8 ,illustrating a flap extended over an opening of the bag and a sideextension secured to a rear panel;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the reusable mailer bag of FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another reusable mailer bag provided inaccordance with the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the reusable mailer bag of FIG. 11 ,illustrating a flap extended over an opening of the bag and a sideextension secured to a side panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a mailer bag 10 is provided in accordance withthe present disclosure. The mailer bag 10 includes a front panel 12, arear panel 14, a first side panel 16, a second side panel 18, and abottom panel 20 (FIG. 6 ). The panels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 are joinedtogether by stitching, gussets, or other similar methods of joining toform a carrying volume 22. An opening 24 opposite the bottom panel 20provides access to the carrying volume 22. As shown in FIG. 2 , carryingvolume 22 includes a closure mechanism 25, for example, a zipper, snaps,or other similar forms of closure, adjacent opening 24 that isconfigured to selectively close opening 24.

Panels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 may be formed from a fabric material. Forexample, panels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 may be formed of polypropylene,120-180 GSM, or other similar materials. The fabric material may bewoven or non-woven. The panels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 may includevarious graphical art designs including four color art designs and mayinclude sublimation imprints. The graphical art designs may includeadvertising. The outer surfaces of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 mayalso be laminated to provide resistance to weather elements such as, forexample, water. In an embodiment, the outer surfaces of panels 12, 14,16, 18, and 20 may be formed of or may be laminated with a material thatis resistant to common adhesives such as those commonly used withshipping labels. Accordingly, in some embodiments, common adhesives maynot be sufficient to secure a shipping label or other materials to theouter surfaces of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20. In this instance a userwould adhere the shipping label 32 and flap 36 to the respective tapelayers 30 and 34 as described in more detail below.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the interior surface 26 of carrying volume 22,i.e., the interior surfaces of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20, mayinclude a plastic bubble lined protection layer 28 for protecting itemstransported in the carrying volume 22. The protection layer 28 may beremovable and may include, for example, perforations, removableadhesive, or other similar features that allow for separation of theprotection layer 28 from the interior surface 26 of carrying volume 22.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , a first tape layer 30 is adhered to frontpanel 12 and provides an adhesive friendly surface for receiving ashipping label 32. First tape layer 30 may be transparent and may beformed of a plastic material. First tape layer 30 may include anadhesive backing. In an embodiment, the adhesive backing may include anadhesive such as, for example, adhesives sold by 3M Company, that aresuitable for adhering to the outer surfaces of panels 12, 14, 16, 18,and 20. In this instance, the particular adhesive of the first tapelayer 30 adheres to the panels 12, 14, 16, 18, and/or 20 even if thepanels 12, 14, 16, 18, or 20 are made from a material or are coated witha laminate that generally resists common adhesives. Hence, onlydesignated tapes 30, 34 may are adhereable (or adhereable in asubstantially secure manner) to the panels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 atspecified locations.

Shipping label 32 and/or first tape layer 30 may be removable by an enduser to reveal a hidden surface 33, as shown, for example, in FIG. 7 .For example, in an embodiment, hidden surface 33 may include apromotional code that may be redeemable by the end user online or in abrick and mortar store. In an alternative embodiment, hidden surface 33may include advertising. In yet another alternative embodiment, hiddensurface 33 may include a writable surface on which the end user may takenotes. Mailer bag 10 may also include a writing instrument (not shown),such as, for example, an erasable or non-permanent marker, withincarrying volume 22 for use by an end user to write on the writablesurface.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 , a second tape layer 34 isadhered to front panel 12 adjacent opening 24 to provide an adhesivefriendly surface for receiving attachment of a flap 36. Second tapelayer 34 may be transparent and may be formed of a plastic material.Second tape layer 34 may include an adhesive backing. In an embodiment,the adhesive backing may include adhesives such as, for example,adhesives sold by 3M Company, that are suitable for adhering to theouter surfaces of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20. In this instance, theparticular adhesive of the first tape layer 30 adheres to the panels 12,14, 16, 18, and/or 20 even if the panels 12, 14, 16, 18, or 20 are madefrom a material or are coated with a laminate that generally resistscommon adhesives. Hence, only designated tapes 30, 34 may be adhereable(or adhereable in a substantially secure manner) to the panels 12, 14,16, 18, and 20 at specified locations. Rear panel 14 may also include athird tape layer (not shown) similar to second tape layer 34.

First and second tape layers 30 and 34 are removably attached to frontpanel 12 by the adhesive backing or other similar forms of attachment.In an embodiment, the adhesive backing may include an adhesive that is adifferent kind of adhesive than that used for shipping label 32 toprovide for adhesion to outer surfaces of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20when the outer surfaces of panels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 are resistantto adhesion of common adhesives such as those used for shipping labels.

Flap 36 is attached to rear panel 14 at a first end 38 (FIG. 6 ) and isconfigured to extend across the opening 24 to cover opening 24, as shownin FIG. 3 . A second end 40 of flap 36 is securable to the second tapelayer 34 of front panel 12 by an adhesive strip 42 (FIG. 3 ). As shownin FIG. 1 , flap 36 includes a protective layer 44 covering adhesivestrip 42 which is removable from flap 36 prior to securing second end 40to second tape layer 34 of front panel 12. Flap 36 includes a first tearstrip 46 adjacent first end 38 and a second tear strip 48 adjacentsecond end 40 which are tearable to remove flap 36 from mailer bag 10,as shown, for example, in FIG. 7 . First and second tear strips 46 and48 may include perforations 50. Specifically, the first and second tearstrips 46 and 48 may include fine perforations that allow for the cleanseparation of two portions of the fabric, e.g., two portions of the flap36, while providing a substantially smooth edge on each of the portionsof the fabric. The fine perforations may be created by using needleshaving a specific size and shape and by creating each perforation aspecific distance from adjacent perforations. In embodiments, theperforations are made in a unique pattern to optimize a smooth edgeafter being torn while maintaining structural integrity during shipping.

As shown in FIG. 1 , each of first and second side panels 16 and 18includes recessed portions 52 adjacent opening 24 to provide additionalprotection against pilfering when the flap 36 is secured to front panel12 to close opening 24. As shown in more detail in FIG. 5 , recessedportions 52 are formed by attaching each of side panels 16 and 18 tofront and back panels 12 and 14 respectively adjacent opening 24 throughthe use of stitching, heat welding, or other similar methods, such thatside panels 16 and 18 are recessed relative to the side edges 56 offront and back panels 16 and 18. Recessed portions 52 are alsoconfigured to inhibit carrying volume 22 and mailer bag 10 from beingreversed. In some embodiments, the mailer bag 10 is non-reversible.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 , each of front panel 12 and rear panel 14includes a handle 58, 60 attached to interior surface 26 adjacentopening 24. Handles 58 and 60 are configured to be received entirelywithin carrying volume 22 and are extendable out of opening 24 whenopening 24 is not closed by flap 36.

The use and operation of mailer bag 10 will now be described below.

In an initial state, opening 24 is uncovered with flap 36 attached torear panel 14, as shown in FIG. 1 . An item or product (not shown) to beshipped to an end user, e.g., a customer or consumer, is inserted intocarrying volume 22 and a shipping label 32 is applied to the first tapelayer 30. Handles 58 and 60 are positioned entirely within carryingvolume 22 and the protective layer 44 of flap 36 is removed to exposeadhesive strip 42. Flap 36 is then extended across opening 24 to closeopening 24, as shown in FIG. 3 . Adhesive strip 42 is attached to secondtape layer 34 of front panel 12 to secure flap 36 in place. Mailer bag10 is now prepared for shipping to an end user.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , after shipping, once the end user has receivedmailer bag 10, the flap 36 is removed by tearing along the tear strips46 and 48 of flap 36. In addition, or alternatively, the second tapelayer 34 may be removed from front panel 12 to remove flap 36. In anembodiment, first end 38 of flap 36 may also be removable from rearpanel 14 by removing a third tape layer (not shown) on rear panel 14that is similar to second tape layer 34.

With continued reference to FIG. 7 , the end user may remove theshipping label 32 and/or first tape layer 30 to reveal hidden surface 33which, as described above, may include promotional codes, advertising,or a writable surface.

Once the flap 36 has been removed, handles 58 and 60 may be extendedfrom the carrying volume 22 through opening 24 such that mailer bag 10is converted into a carrying bag or tote.

In an embodiment, replacement first and second tape layers (not shown)maybe provided or included with mailer bag 10 that are similar to firstand second tape layers 30 and 34 may be added to front panel 12 by theend user. A new shipping label 32 may then be attached to thereplacement first tape layer to allow for further shipping. In thisembodiment, an additional adhesive strip (not shown) and protectivelayer (not shown) which is similar to adhesive strip 42 and protectivelayer 44 may be provided on flap 36 adjacent tear strip 46. The flap 36is partially detached from mailer bag 10 by only tearing along tearstrip 46 to provide access to carrying volume 22 through opening 24 andthe flap 36 may be extended over opening 24 to close carrying volume 22once an item to be shipped has been added to carrying volume 22. Theadditional adhesive strip and protective layer allows flap 36 to besecured to the second replacement tape layer in a similar manner to thatdescribed above for adhesive strip 42, protective layer 44, and secondtape layer 34 to provide a second closure of the opening 24 for thesecond shipping. In this manner the mailer bag 10 may be re-used by theend user for shipping another item or product.

With reference to FIGS. 8-10 , another mailer bag 110 is provided inaccordance with the present disclosure. The mailer bag 110 is similar tothe mailer bag 10 detailed above with like elements labeled with asimilar label with a “1” preceding the previous label and will not bedetailed herein for brevity. The mailer bag 110 includes a front panel112, a rear panel 114, first side panel 116, a second panel 118, and abottom panel 120 that are joined together by stitching, gussets,adhesives, welding, or other similar methods of joining to form acarrying volume 122.

The mailer bag 110 includes a flap 136 configured to extend across andclose an opening 124 of the mailer bag 110, which is opposite the bottompanel 120. The flap 136 includes a first end portion 138, a second endportion 140, a first side flap or extension 162, and a second side flapor extension 164. The first end portion 138 is attached to the rearpanel 114 and the second end portion 140 is securable to the front panel112. The front panel 112 includes a first tape layer 130 and a secondtape layer 134 that are releaseably attached to the front panel 112. Thesecond end portion 140 of the flap 136 may be secured to the front panel112 by the second tape layer 134.

The rear panel 114 may include a third tape layer 166 and a fourth tapelayer 168. The third tape layer 166 is adjacent a top edge 115 of therear panel 114 and the first side panel 116. The fourth tape layer 168is adjacent the top edge 115 and the second side panel 118. The thirdand fourth tape layers 166, 168 may form a single continuous tape layeradjacent the top edge 115.

The first side extension 162 extends from a first side edge 137 of theflap 136 and the second side extension 164 extends from a second sideedge 139 of the flap 136. In embodiments, the first and second sideextensions 162, 164 extend from portions of the first and second sideedges 137, 139 entirely along the second end portion 140 of the flap136. The flap 136 may include tear strips 165 along the first and secondside edges 137, 139 where the first and second side extensions 162, 164meet the first and second side edges 137, 139. The tear strips 165 mayform a continuous tear strip with a tear strip 148 between the secondend portion 140 and a main portion of the flap 136.

The first and second side extensions 162, 164 are configured to coverportions of the first and second side panels 116, 118, respectively, toprevent tampering with contents in the carrying volume 112 when themailer bag 110 is sealed for mailing. The first and second sideextension 162, 164 may allow for mailer bags having side panels 116, 118having a dimension along the bottom panel 120 greater than eight inches.For example, the side panels 116, 118 may have a dimension along thebottom portion 120 in a range of about 8 inches to about 14 inches.

In some embodiments, the first and second side extension 162, 164 extendfrom the first and second side edges 137 of the flap along the first endportion 140 of the flap 136 such that the first and second sideextensions 162, 164 extend from the rear panel 114 and releaseablysecure to the front panel 112. In such embodiments, the third and fourthtape layers 166, 168 may be disposed on the front panel 112.Alternatively, the third and fourth tape layers 166, 168 may be disposedon a surface of the second end portion 140 opposite a surface of thesecond end portion 140 that is secured to the front panel 112 such thatthe first and second side extension 162, 164 are secured directly to thesecond end portion 140. In embodiments, the first and second sideextensions 162, 164 may secure to the second tape layer 134 and includethe third and fourth tape layers 166, 168 on a surface opposite thesurface that secures the second tape layer 134 such that the second endportion 140 is secured to the second, third, and fourth tape layers 134,166, 168 to close the opening 124.

The front and/or rear panel 112, 114 may include an internal pocket 172on an inner surface 113 defining the carrying volume 122. The internalpocket 172 may be formed of a sheet of material secured to the innersurface 113. The internal pocket 172 may allow the items to be securedto the front and/or rear panel 112, 114 and secured separate from thecarrying volume 122. For example, a cooling medium, e.g., dry ice, maybe secured within the internal pocket 172 to keep the carrying volume122 at or below a desired temperature during shipping. The internalpocket 172 may include a closure mechanism similar to the closuremechanism 125 to selectively close the internal pocket 172.

In some embodiments, the front, rear, bottom, and/or side panels 112,114, 116, 118, 120 may be insulated, padded, and/or coated to protectthe contents of the carrying volume and/or the mailer bag 110.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 8-10 , the use of the mailer bag 110 toship one or more items and then to convert the mailer bag 110 into atote is described in accordance with the present disclosure. The mailerbag 110 may be provided in a flat, folded configuration such thathandles 158 of the mailer bag 110 are disposed within a carrying volume122 of the mailer bag 110. The mailer bag 110 is unfolded such that thecarrying volume 122 is accessible through the opening 124. The item oritems to be shipped are placed within the carrying volume 122. The itemor items may be wrapped in protective packaging. In some embodiments, acooling medium, e.g., dry ice, may be secured in the internal pocket 172of the mailer bag 110 before or after the item(s) is placed in thecarrying volume 122.

With the item(s) to be shipped are placed within the carrying volume122, a closure mechanism 125 may be used to close the opening 124 of themailer bag 110. The closure mechanism 125 may be a zipper, string andeyelets, a hook and loop fastener system, or another suitable closuremechanism. A top portion of each of the front and rear panels 112, 114are pinched together to close the opening 124 for shipping. As the frontand rear panels 112, 114 are pinched together, each of the first andsecond side panels 116, 118 may be folded into the carrying volume 122.The flap 136 is then folded over the opening 124 and the second endportion 140 is secured to the second tape strip 134. To secure thesecond end portion 140 to the second tape strip 134, a protective layer144 may be removed from over an adhesive strip 142 to expose theadhesive strip 142 which is subsequently pressed into the second strip134 and/or the front panel 112.

The first and second side extensions 162, 164 are then folded over therespective first or second side panel 116, 118 and secured to therespective one of the third or fourth tape strip 166, 168. The firstand/or second side extensions 162, 164 may include an adhesive strip andprotective layer similar to the adhesive strip 142 and protective layer144. The first and second side extension 162, 164 further protect accessto the carrying volume 122 when the mailer bag 110 is in transit.

The mailer bag 110 may be labeled and shipped in a manner similar to themailer bag 10 detailed above.

When the mailer bag 110 is received, the first side extension 162,second side extension 164, and/or the flap 136 may be pulled to open themailer bag 110. Specifically, as the respective one of the extensions162, 164 or the flap 136 is pulled, the tear strips 146, 148, 165 mayrip to allow for access to the carrying volume 122. When the mailer bag110 includes a closure mechanism 125, the closure mechanism 125 mayprevent access to the carrying volume 122 and may also need to beopened, e.g., unzipped, to access the carrying volume 122 after the tearstrip or strips 146, 148, 165 are ripped. The tear strips 146, 148, 165are designed to be able to withstand the rigors of being shipped and tobe easily ripped when force is directly applied along or adjacent therespective tear strip 146, 148, 165. In addition, the tear strips 146,148, 165 are configured rip such that a clean edge remains after thetear strip 146, 148, 165 is ripped. Such a clean edge may beaesthetically preferred to a jagged edge when the mailer bag 110 isreused.

With the carrying volume 122 accessible through the opening 124, thecontents may be removed from the carrying volume 122. The mailer bag 110may then be converted to reusable tote by removing the first, second,third, and/or fourth tape strips 130, 134, 166, 168 from the respectivepanel to remove any remaining portions of the flap 136, first sideextension 162, and/or second side extension 164 from the mailer bag 110.The handles 158 may then be pulled from within the carrying volume 122such that the mailer bag 110 is converted into a reusable tote. As areusable tote, the closure mechanism 125 may be used to close thecarrying volume 122.

With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 , another mailer bag 210 is providedin accordance with the present disclosure. The mailer bag 210 is similarto the mailer bag 10 detailed above with like elements labeled with asimilar label with a “2” preceding the previous label and will not bedetailed herein for brevity. The mailer bag 210 includes a front panel212, a rear panel 214, first side panel 216, a second panel 218, and abottom panel 220 that are joined together by stitching, gussets,adhesives, welding, or other similar methods of joining to form acarrying volume 222.

The mailer bag 210 includes a flap 236 configured to extend across andclose an opening 224 of the mailer bag 210, which is opposite the bottompanel 220. The flap 236 includes a first end portion 238, a second endportion 240, a first side flap or extension 262, and a second side flapor extension 264. The first end portion 238 is attached to the rearpanel 214 and the second end portion 240 is securable to the front panel212. The front panel 212 includes a first tape layer 230 and a secondtape layer 234 that are releaseably attached to the front panel 212. Thesecond end portion 240 of the flap 236 may be secured to the front panel212 by the second tape layer 234.

The first side panel 216 may include a third tape layer 266 and thesecond side panel 218 may include a fourth tape layer (not explicitlyshown). The third and fourth tape layers 266 are adjacent a top edge 217of the respective side panel 216, 218.

The first side extension 262 extends from a first side edge 237 of theflap 236 and the second side extension 264 extends from a second sideedge 239 of the flap 236. In embodiments, the first and second sideextensions 262, 264 extend from portions of the first and second sideedges 237, 239 disposed between the first and second end portions 238,240 of the flap 236. The flap 236 may include tear strips 265 along thefirst and second side edges 237, 239 where the first and second sideextensions 262, 264 meet the first and second side edges 237, 239. Thetear strips 265 may form a continuous tear strip with a tear strip 248between the second end portion 240 and a main portion of the flap 236and/or a tear strip 248 between the first end portion 238 and the mainportion of the flap 236.

The first and second side extensions 262, 264 are configured to cover agap G between the flap 236 and a respective one of the first or secondside panels 216, 218 to prevent tampering with contents in the carryingvolume 212 when the mailer bag 210 is sealed for mailing. As shown, themailer bag 210 is sealable without pinching a top portion of the frontand rear panels 212, 214 together such that the mailer bag 210 remainssubstantially cuboidic in shape, i.e., a three-dimensional shape havingsix rectangular surfaces. The first and second side extension 262, 264may allow for mailer bags having side panels 216, 218 having a dimensionalong the bottom panel 220 greater than eight inches. For example, theside panels 216, 218 may have a dimension along the bottom portion 220in a range of about 8 inches to about 24 inches.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 , the use of the mailer bag210 to ship one or more items and then to convert the mailer bag 210into a tote is described in accordance with the present disclosure. Themailer bag 210 may be provided in a flat, folded configuration such thathandles 258 of the mailer bag 210 are disposed within a carrying volume222 of the mailer bag 210. The mailer bag 210 is unfolded such that thecarrying volume 222 is accessible through the opening 224. The item oritems to be shipped are placed within the carrying volume 222. The itemor items may be wrapped in protective packaging. In some embodiments, acooling medium, e.g., dry ice, may be secured in an internal pocket 272of the mailer bag 210 before or after the item(s) is placed in thecarrying volume 222.

With the item(s) to be shipped are placed within the carrying volume222, a closure mechanism 225 may be used to close the opening 224 of themailer bag 210. The closure mechanism 225 may be a zipper, string andeyelets, a hook and loop fastener system, or another suitable closuremechanism. The flap 236 is then folded over the opening 224 and thesecond end portion 240 is secured to the second tape strip 234. Tosecure the second end portion 240 to the second tape strip 234, aprotective layer 244 may be removed from over an adhesive strip 242 toexpose the adhesive strip 242 which is subsequently pressed into thesecond strip 234 and/or the front panel 212.

The first and second side extensions 262, 264 are then folded over therespective first or second side panel 216, 218 and secured to therespective one of the third or fourth tape strip 266. The first and/orsecond side extensions 262, 264 may include an adhesive strip andprotective layer similar to the adhesive strip 242 and protective layer244. The first and second side extension 262, 264 further protect accessto the carrying volume 222 when the mailer bag 210 is in transit whileallowing the mailer bag 210 to remain in a substantially cuboidic shape.

The mailer bag 210 may be labeled and shipped in a manner similar to themailer bag 20 detailed above.

When the mailer bag 210 is received, the first side extension 262,second side extension 264, and/or the flap 236 may be pulled to open themailer bag 210. Specifically, as the respective one of the extensions262, 264 or the flap 236 is pulled, the tear strips 246, 248, 265 mayrip to allow for access to the carrying volume 222. When the mailer bag210 includes a closure mechanism 225, the closure mechanism 225 mayprevent access to the carrying volume 222 and may also need to beopened, e.g., unzipped, to access the carrying volume 222 after the tearstrip or strips 246, 248, 265 are ripped. The tear strips 246, 248, 265are designed to be able to withstand the rigors of being shipped and tobe easily ripped when force is directly applied along or adjacent therespective tear strip 246, 248, 265. In addition, the tear strips 246,248, 265 are configured rip such that a clean edge remains after thetear strip 246, 248, 265 is ripped. Such a clean edge may beaesthetically preferred to a jagged edge when the mailer bag 210 isreused.

With the carrying volume 222 accessible through the opening 224, thecontents may be removed from the carrying volume 222. The mailer bag 210may then be converted to reusable tote by removing the first, second,third, and/or fourth tape strips 230, 234, 266 from the respective panelto remove any remaining portions of the flap 236, first side extension262, and/or second side extension 264 from the mailer bag 210. Thehandles 258 may then be pulled from within the carrying volume 222 suchthat the mailer bag 210 is converted into a reusable tote. As a reusabletote, the closure mechanism 225 may be used to close the carrying volume222.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, asit is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art willallow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, but merely asexemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the artwill envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of theclaims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reusable mailer bag, comprising: a front panel,a rear panel, a side panel, and a bottom panel that include interiorsurfaces defining a carrying volume having an opening, wherein the sidepanel tapers from the bottom panel to the opening to define a recessedportion between the front and rear panels such that a top portion of thefront and rear panels extends farther outwardly from the side panel thana bottom portion of the side panel; a flap positionable between thefront and rear panels across the opening to close the carrying volume;and a first side extension extending from the flap adjacent to the sidepanel, the first side extension configured to extend around the sidepanel and secure directly to the rear panel.
 2. The reusable mailer bagaccording to claim 1, further comprising a tape layer releasably securedto the rear panel.
 3. The reusable mailer bag according to claim 2,wherein the first side extension is configured to secure to the tapelayer to secure directly to the rear panel.
 4. The reusable mailer bagaccording to claim 1, further comprising a pair of handles attached tothe interior surfaces of the front and rear panels, the pair of handlesconfigured to be positioned entirely within the carrying volume duringshipping and configured to extend out of the opening for transport. 5.The reusable mailer bag according to claim 1, the flap configured to becompletely removed from the mailer bag after shipping.
 6. The reusablemailer bag according to claim 1, further comprising a tape layerreleasably secured to the front panel.
 7. The reusable mailer bagaccording to claim 6, wherein a portion of the flap is securable to thetape layer.
 8. The reusable mailer bag according to claim 6, wherein thetape layer is removable from the front panel to detach the flap from thefront panel.
 9. The reusable mailer bag according to claim 7, whereinthe flap includes an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer configured toadhere to the tape layer of the front panel to secure the flap to thefront panel.
 10. The reusable mailer bag according to claim 6, whereinthe tape layer is configured to receive a shipping label.
 11. Thereusable mailer bag according to claim 10, wherein the front panelfurther includes a hidden surface disposed under the tape layer, thetape layer removable to reveal the hidden surface, the hidden surfaceselected from the group consisting of a promotional code, anadvertisement, and a writable surface.
 12. The reusable mailer bagaccording to claim 1, wherein the flap includes a first tear stripconfigured to detach the flap from the rear panel.
 13. The reusablemailer bag according to claim 12, wherein the flap includes a secondtear strip configured to detach the flap from the front panel.
 14. Thereusable mailer bag according to claim 13, wherein the flap includes athird tear strip to detach the first side extension from the second endportion.
 15. The reusable mailer bag according to claim 14, wherein thefirst, second, and third tear strips form a continuous tear strip. 16.The reusable mailer bag according to claim 1, wherein the side panelincludes a first side panel and a second side panel, the second sideextension configured to extend around the second side panel and secureto the rear panel.
 17. A reusable mailer bag comprising: a front panel,a rear panel, a side panel, and a bottom panel that define a carryingvolume having an opening, wherein the side panel is disposed at an acuteangle relative to the bottom panel so that a top portion of the sidepanel is recessed from a side edge of the front panel and a side edge ofthe rear panel, and wherein a top portion of the front and rear panelsextend farther outwardly from the side panel than a bottom portion ofthe side panel, and a bottom portion of the side panel is coupled to aside edge of the bottom panel, to the side edge of the front panel, andto the side edge of the rear panel; a flap configured to extend acrossthe opening to close the carrying volume; and a first side extensionextending from a first edge of the flap, the first side extensionconfigured to secure directly to the side panel.
 18. The reusable mailerbag according to claim 17, further comprising a tape layer releasablysecured to the side panel.
 19. The reusable mailer bag according toclaim 17, the flap configured to be completely removed from the mailerbag after shipping.
 20. A reusable mailer bag comprising: a front panel,a rear panel, a side panel, and a bottom panel that define a carryingvolume having an opening, wherein the side panel includes a recessedportion adjacent the opening such that the side panel is spaced apartfrom side edges of the front and rear panels adjacent the opening toreduce a length of the opening, wherein a top edge of the side panel isattached to the front and rear panels, wherein top portions of the frontand rear panels extend farther outwardly from the side panel than abottom portion of the side panel, and a bottom edge of the side panel isattached to each of the front and rear panels along a side edge of thebottom panel so that the side panel is slanted from the opening to thebottom panel; and a flap configured to extend across the opening toclose the carrying volume.